A warning of a “huge rise” in targeting journalists in the occupied Palestinian territory

In a statement to the United Nations news, Agith Songhai warned that the office registered “Huge rise” In killings, detention and control against journalists since October 7, 2023 in the occupied Palestinian territory.

He pointed out that more than two hundred journalists and media workers have been killed from that date until April 2025 in the Gaza Strip, including at least 27 women.

He added: “We have witnessed the destruction of offices and headquarters of the media completely. In both Gaza and the West Bank, many Palestinian journalists were also arrested..

He reported that the journalists detained by the Israeli security forces informed the United Nations Office for Human Rights that they were beaten, humiliated, sexual violence and gender -based violence.

He also highlighted the exposure of journalists by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.

The UN official reminded that journalists are civilians protected from attacks under international humanitarian law, unless they participate directly in hostilities, adding “The deliberate killing of journalists is a war crime”.

Gaza should not be an exception

In turn, Philip Lazarini, Commissioner -General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said that since the war began a year and a half ago, the Israeli authorities have prevented the entry of international media to Gaza to cover events independently.

He said in a statement issued today, Thursday “This nourishes the misleading propaganda, spreading false information, and the discourse of abstraction from humanity.”. He added that the Palestinian journalists continue their heroic work and pay a heavy price.

He pointed out that at the same time, reliable accounts and eyewitnesses issued by relief organizations and their credibility are being questioned.

He stressed that the free flow of independent information and coverage constitute two pillars to ensure access to facts and achieve accountability during conflicts, adding: “Gaza should not be an exception. It is time to enter the international media after a long -term delay.”.